Police: State Rep's attacker remains in jail on suicide watch

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - The man accused of trying to kill a State Representative remains in jail on suicide watch. Carmel Police say Augustus Mendenhall brutally beat Ed Delaney Saturday morning.

Carmel Police are puzzled by the attack. The only motive right now dates back 20 years ago. DeLaney and Mendenhall's father were involved in litigation.

Carmel Police arrested 38-year-old Augustus Mendenhall after they discovered him beating prominent attorney and State Representative Ed DeLaney. The attack happened on Catherine Drive near west Main Street. DeLaney's family says Mendenhall lured him to area under false pretenses. They say Mendenhall had a gun, but when he tried to use it, it jammed. That's when the beating started.

24-Hour News 8 went to Mendenhall's last known address in Plainfield where neighbors say his wife still lives. News 8 knocked on the door. Someone was home, but no one came to the door. Neighbors were surprised to hear the news.

"I was just shocked, that's all I can say," one of Mendenhall's former neighbors said.

"It kind of freaks me out a little bit. I wasn't expecting that today," said neighbor Mike Chamberlain.

News 8 later learned from authorities that Mendenhall has been living in Miami for the past year and is currently homeless. It's unclear why he returned to Indiana.

Mendenhall went to the IU School of Law from 2005-2008. He passed the bar one year ago but there's no record of him practicing in Indiana. According to the Indiana bar Association, Mendenhall's status as an attorney is active and in good standing.

One of Mendenhall's former neighbors who didn't want to give his name remembers when Mendenhall was in law school. He couldn't believe Mendenhall will now need an attorney, "He was a good guy. We hung out a few times. Always really nice, good with the kids. I've got three. He's a good guy."

The jail says Mendenhall is not being cooperative. When he was arrested police had to taze him to get Mendenhall under control.

Mendenhall is being held without bond on charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery, battery, and resisting arrest.

He's expected to be formally charged in court at 1:15 p.m. Monday.